I am absolutely astounded at the outcome of this story. This is a Fire Captain, a public servant in his community, that literally got away with murder. How is it that he was charged with misdemeanors and no jail time? How is it he arrogantly was chewing gum in court? It disgusts me that just because of a "good prior record" that this allows for someone to not be held accountable for his actions. I can't imagine how the family must be feeling about this. I personally have someone I know that was killed by their father backing over them in his boat. The father was arrested for being drunk and high for his own daughter's death. At best, this should have been man slaughter. So, in essence, is our justice system saying it's alright to get drunk and kill someone and only pay $500 as punishment? It's no wonder people feel our country has gone down the tubes with this sort of "justice". Sickens me to see that just because it's your "first offense" , that is was treated as an "accident". I'm sure this man has cleaned up many wrecks of people that were driving under the influence with his occupation. To me, it makes it very clear that he should have known better. Shame on him for doing it, Shame on us for allowing people in our justice system to make decisions for this type of punishment to be treated as equal as not having an animal license.

I am absolutely astounded at the outcome of this story. This is a Fire Captain, a public servant in his community, that literally got away with murder. How is it that he was charged with misdemeanors and no jail time? How is it he arrogantly was chewing gum in court? It disgusts me that just because of a "good prior record" that this allows for someone to not be held accountable for his actions. I can't imagine how the family must be feeling about this. I personally have someone I know that was killed by their father backing over them in his boat. The father was arrested for being drunk and high for his own daughter's death. At best, this should have been man slaughter. So, in essence, is our justice system saying it's alright to get drunk and kill someone and only pay $500 as punishment? It's no wonder people feel our country has gone down the tubes with this sort of "justice". Sickens me to see that just because it's your "first offense" , that is was treated as an "accident". I'm sure this man has cleaned up many wrecks of people that were driving under the influence with his occupation. To me, it makes it very clear that he should have known better. Shame on him for doing it, Shame on us for allowing people in our justice system to make decisions for this type of punishment to be treated as equal as not having an animal license.

You are all talking all this crap about Steve, What about Mom, The boys mom who is left with 350,000 in medical bills... If everyone is concerned for the evil done look at how it left his mom..

Be happy that the little boy is alive and doing well.He outwardly appears normal,and happy..Proud to have his dad by his side starting a new year of school..The love in his heart he feels for this man..He was hurt, but he forgives him as well as of the rest of the family..Who are we to Judge..????

I am absolutely astounded at the outcome of this story. This is a Fire Captain, a public servant in his community, that literally got away with murder. How is it that he was charged with misdemeanors and no jail time? How is it he arrogantly was chewing gum in court? It disgusts me that just because of a "good prior record" that this allows for someone to not be held accountable for his actions. I can't imagine how the family must be feeling about this. I personally have someone I know that was killed by their father backing over them in his boat. The father was arrested for being drunk and high for his own daughter's death. At best, this should have been man slaughter. So, in essence, is our justice system saying it's alright to get drunk and kill someone and only pay $500 as punishment? It's no wonder people feel our country has gone down the tubes with this sort of "justice". Sickens me to see that just because it's your "first offense" , that is was treated as an "accident". I'm sure this man has cleaned up many wrecks of people that were driving under the influence with his occupation. To me, it makes it very clear that he should have known better. Shame on him for doing it, Shame on us for allowing people in our justice system to make decisions for this type of punishment to be treated as equal as not having an animal license.

Maybe you should learn to read the whole article before you start ranting......

The 3rd paragraph down in this article reads-"The case is not over yet for Nixon. Today the judge certified seven felony charges to a grand jury scheduled to meet October 22. Those felonies include one count of aggravated involuntary manslaughter, four counts of child endangerment and two counts of maiming while operating a vessel while intoxicated."

So No he did not get away with murder... Murder - the killing of another human being under conditions specifically covered in law. In the U.S., special statutory definitions include murder committed with malice aforethought, characterized by deliberation or premeditation or occurring during the commission of another serious crime, as robbery or arson.

This is so sad--I know this family and they are wonderful people--I do not think little children should be forced to testify against their parents--this will put a guilt on them that will last a lifetime and they have already been through enough trauma.

This is so sad--I know this family and they are wonderful people--I do not think little children should be forced to testify against their parents--this will put a guilt on them that will last a lifetime and they have already been through enough trauma.

i TOTALLY AGREE..I too know members of the family and for the kids this has got to be hell..It has definitely been hard on all involved in this tragedy..But the awsome part is that Zack came out of this alive and well...My prayers are with all of you...There is no happy ending for steve as looking at this family daily being reminded of the tragedy he created for everyone on that boat that night..May Amanda RIP and may God let this family to to find peace with it all..Zack you are amazing !!!!! you still have the cutiest smile..

One year suspended and a 500 dollar fine,thats b.s.He should be put away for at least half and made to pay the 2,500.00.Thats what wrong with our country now,suspended sentences,early paroles,lessee charges for previous good behavior.The law was boken and the penaltys need to be applied and held up no matter who it is or what they did for a living.

Also the mother of the children that was on the boat should also be brought up on chid endangerment charges also,she took her children and put them on a boat with her husband who she knew was under the influence.

I am absolutely astounded at the outcome of this story. This is a Fire Captain, a public servant in his community, that literally got away with murder. How is it that he was charged with misdemeanors and no jail time? How is it he arrogantly was chewing gum in court? It disgusts me that just because of a "good prior record" that this allows for someone to not be held accountable for his actions. I can't imagine how the family must be feeling about this. I personally have someone I know that was killed by their father backing over them in his boat. The father was arrested for being drunk and high for his own daughter's death. At best, this should have been man slaughter. So, in essence, is our justice system saying it's alright to get drunk and kill someone and only pay $500 as punishment? It's no wonder people feel our country has gone down the tubes with this sort of "justice". Sickens me to see that just because it's your "first offense" , that is was treated as an "accident". I'm sure this man has cleaned up many wrecks of people that were driving under the influence with his occupation. To me, it makes it very clear that he should have known better. Shame on him for doing it, Shame on us for allowing people in our justice system to make decisions for this type of punishment to be treated as equal as not having an animal license.

You're not too bright, are you? Put those superhuman analytical skills to work for you and learn how to not only read a story, but comprehend it as well. Words fail me...

You are all talking all this crap about Steve, What about Mom, The boys mom who is left with 350,000 in medical bills...If everyone is concerned for the evil done look at how it left his mom..Be happy that the little boy is alive and doing well.He outwardly appears normal,and happy..Proud to have his dad by his side starting a new year of school..The love in his heart he feels for this man..He was hurt, but he forgives him as well as of the rest of the family..Who are we to Judge..????

Did you forget a 25 yr old, beautiful, young woman was killed in this accident?? It's not JUST about his little boy!! I'm really shocked you neglected that fact!!

This is a tough one. I know that he should definitely not have been drinking and then driving the boat that night. But, how many of you go out on the boat and have a few beers? I have also paid close attention to those markers at night. They are VERY hard to see (when completely sober) and if you turn your head right before they blink, you can completely miss it since they don't blink as quickly or as brightly as they should. While he was wrong and a young lady died, many were injured, I would venture a guess that nothing a jury will do to him is going to be any worse than the personal hell he is putting himself through. He made a big mistake, but many of us have made similar mistakes and just got lucky that nothing happened. So, stop judging this man as if he set out to make this horrendous accident happen. He will have to live with the consequences for the rest of his life in addition to the sentence he gets for the seven remaining felonies. Pray for all of them.

This is a tough one. I know that he should definitely not have been drinking and then driving the boat that night. But, how many of you go out on the boat and have a few beers? I have also paid close attention to those markers at night. They are VERY hard to see (when completely sober) and if you turn your head right before they blink, you can completely miss it since they don't blink as quickly or as brightly as they should. While he was wrong and a young lady died, many were injured, I would venture a guess that nothing a jury will do to him is going to be any worse than the personal hell he is putting himself through. He made a big mistake, but many of us have made similar mistakes and just got lucky that nothing happened. So, stop judging this man as if he set out to make this horrendous accident happen. He will have to live with the consequences for the rest of his life in addition to the sentence he gets for the seven remaining felonies. Pray for all of them.

keep reading people!!! he didnt get away with anything... SEVEN felony charges sent to the grand jury... if the adults in the boat knew he was drinking why the hell did they get in the boat and more importantly why would they have allowed the children to go along?!?!?its sad that this happened to begin with but its hard for all involved..he can go to jail for 20yrs but im sure the guilts gona last a lifetime..take a look at ur past before u judge..

What brave children...these are the innocent people in this terrible crash. Just because this man is a Captain in the fire department doesn't mean that he should keep getting the benefits of that title. That reason alone should get him a stiffer penalty...because of all his years/experience, he personally should know the results of drinking and driving. Do I think Mr. Nixon should be taking all of the blame and the only person facing charges...absolutely NOT, all of the adults on this boat should be held responsible. And where was the mother of 2 of the children on the boat...that's right, she was also one of the adults drinking on the boat that consented her husband (Mr. Nixon) to drive her children. Praise god for the rescuers that responded!!! They are the true heroes.

I am absolutely astounded at the outcome of this story. This is a Fire Captain, a public servant in his community, that literally got away with murder. How is it that he was charged with misdemeanors and no jail time? How is it he arrogantly was chewing gum in court? It disgusts me that just because of a "good prior record" that this allows for someone to not be held accountable for his actions. I can't imagine how the family must be feeling about this. I personally have someone I know that was killed by their father backing over them in his boat. The father was arrested for being drunk and high for his own daughter's death. At best, this should have been man slaughter. So, in essence, is our justice system saying it's alright to get drunk and kill someone and only pay $500 as punishment? It's no wonder people feel our country has gone down the tubes with this sort of "justice". Sickens me to see that just because it's your "first offense" , that is was treated as an "accident". I'm sure this man has cleaned up many wrecks of people that were driving under the influence with his occupation. To me, it makes it very clear that he should have known better. Shame on him for doing it, Shame on us for allowing people in our justice system to make decisions for this type of punishment to be treated as equal as not having an animal license.

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